Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY by THOMAS WALSH

First Line: WITH HOPES SO RICH ENLADEN, WITH THY STORE
Last Line: ETERNAL YOUTH ON ALL THY PURPOSE THERE!
Subject(s): BIRTHDAYS; CHILDREN; CHILDHOOD;

WITH hopes so rich enladen, with thy store
Of worth ancestral, faith, and sturdy dreams,
Go, little bark of manhood, whither streams
This life we know to that uncharted shore
Thy patent-royal grants! Let cannon roar,
And pennon speed thee o'er the sea where gleams
A Whitsun light upon thy brow that seems
Anoint to rule, and conquer, and explore.

Up with the mainsail, all our blessings said,
Alone beyond earth's guidance must thou fare
With naught but wind, and star, and wave ahead;
Away, and whither thy firm helm can bear!
Be El Dorado thine! Life's fountains shed
Eternal youth on all thy purpose there!



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